Flexible Flat Feet In Children: Not A Problem

October 10, 2009

What exactly are " flexible flat feet " ? And if a child has them, what should be

done? Shevaun M. Doyle, M.D., pediatric orthopedist at Hospital for Special

Surgery in New York, has the answers.

" When standing, children with flexible flat feet do not have arches along the

inner borders of their feet. However, when they stand up on tip toe or sit down

with their feet dangling off the examining table, they reconstitute well formed

arches, " explains Dr. Doyle.

As for treatment, pediatric orthopedists generally do not recommend any for the

condition. " Most flexible flat feet are painless, do not impede a child's

athletic ability or normal growth pattern, and do not cause long term deformity

or disability. A majority of infants with flat feet will develop arches, even

when standing, by five years old; this is due to tightening of the soft tissue

structures in the feet that occurs with weight bearing activities and walking, "

said Dr. Doyle. " Special shoes, orthotics or foot pads are not necessary in most

cases. "

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